US20050201358A1 - Rotating media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention includes a communication network for rotating media channels between resources of an emergency services network and a conforming emergency system (CES). A conforming emergency system and one of the resources of the emergency services network dynamically establish a first media channel between one another over a transport network. With the first media channel established, the conforming emergency system and the resource exchange messages over the first media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events. Responsive to a triggering event, the CES and one of the resources (the same or another resource) dynamically establish a second media channel between one another over the transport network. With the second media channel established, the conforming emergency system and the resource exchange messages over the second media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events. The first media channel may be torn down.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 60/552,916, which was filed on Mar. 13, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention is related to the field of emergency services, and in particular, to networks, methods, and systems for rotating media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems.
• 2. Statement of the Problem
• In the United States, basic 9-1-1 service is an emergency reporting service where a calling party can dial 9-1-1 in emergency situations. The call is answered at a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP, also known as a “Public Safety Access Point”). An operator at the PSAP converses with the calling party to determine information on the emergency situation. For instance, the operator may ask the calling party for his/her name, the nature of the emergency, and the location of the emergency, etc. Based on the information gathered by the operator, the operator then contacts emergency personnel to respond to the emergency.
• Enhanced 9-1-1 service (E9-1-1) has the added feature of automatically providing the operator with some information on the calling party. For instance, E9-1-1 service includes the added features of Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Automatic Location Identification (ALI). With Automatic Number Identification (ANI), the operator is automatically provided with telephone number of the phone placing the call for emergency services (e.g., a 9-1-1 call). With Automatic Location Identification (ALI), the PSAP, or another device, queries an ALI database for information on the physical location of the calling party's phone. An ALI database stores records of telephone numbers. A record in the ALI database contains information (such as a street address) on a physical location that corresponds with a telephone number. Responsive to a query from the PSAP, the ALI database returns the location information for the calling party. With the telephone number and the location information, the operator can more effectively handle the emergency call. Other countries have emergency services similar to this.
• Traditional communication networks have a rigid architecture when it comes to connecting to an emergency services network. In a traditional communication network, a PSAP connects to a pair of ALI databases in the emergency services network. The PSAP connects to each ALI database over a fixed and dedicated point-to-point connection. It may be problematic that a PSAP can only connect with a pair of ALI databases and the PSAP does not have the ability to connect with other ALI databases or resources.
• If one of the ALI databases were to be taken out of service for maintenance or upgrades, then the PSAP would be connected to a single ALI database and would become one-sided. If the remaining ALI database was to go out of service, then the PSAP would not be able to adequately service emergency calls (e.g., 9-1-1 calls, 1-1-2 calls, etc.). Emergency services administrators try to avoid architectures that rely on a single device or system because of the higher possibility of a service outage. The emergency services administrators also worry about how the network would handle a failure and recovery event. Generally, the administrators have to wait until a failure occurs to determine the effectiveness of the recovery efforts.
• With this architecture, it may also be problematic to add a new ALI database. If a new ALI database were to be added, dedicated point-to-point connections with the PSAPs would have to be established and the PSAPs would have to be programmed. There would be significant overhead and risk associated with adding a new ALI database.
SUMMARY OF THE SOLUTION
• The invention helps solve the above and other problems by rotating media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems (e.g., PSAPs or other conforming systems). Rotating the media channels provides for a routine balancing of the media channels between resources of the emergency services network and conforming emergency systems. Rotating the media channels also provides for routine testing of the ability to gracefully drop a media channel and then re-establish another media channel. Dropping and re-establishing media channels resembles what would take place for a failure and recovery event, so the system should be adept at recovering from a failure. Rotating the media channels also allows resources of the emergency services network to be taken out of-service without impact to maintenance personnel or a disruption in nominal processing scenarios. Rotating the media channels also allows for easier addition of additional resources and load distribution to a new resource without manual intervention.
• One embodiment of the invention comprises a communication network for rotating media channels between resources of an emergency services network and a conforming emergency system. A conforming emergency system and one of the resources of the emergency services network dynamically establish a first media channel between one another over a transport network. The communication network may use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or another protocol or means to dynamically establish the media channels. With the first media channel established, the conforming emergency system and the resource exchange messages over the first media channel to facilitate the conforming emergency system in handling emergency events. Responsive to a triggering event, the conforming emergency system and one of the resources (the same or another resource) dynamically establish a second media channel between one another over the transport network. With the second media channel established, the conforming emergency system and the resource exchange messages over the second media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events.
• The conforming emergency system, the resource, or another system may tear down the first media channel after the second media channel is established, before the second media channel is established, or simultaneously as the second media channel is established. Current message sessions over the first media channel may be allowed to end before tearing down the first media channel, or current message sessions over the first media channel may be rolled onto the second media channel.
• The communication network rotates media channels periodically as described above. Responsive to subsequent triggering events, the conforming emergency system dynamically establishes a third media channel, a fourth media channel, and so on.
• Another embodiment of the invention comprises a conforming emergency system for rotating media channels with resources of an emergency services network. The conforming emergency system includes a channel system and a message system. The channel system dynamically establishes a first media channel with a resource of the emergency services network. With the first media channel established, the message system may then exchange messages over the first media channel with the resource to facilitate the conforming emergency system in handling emergency events. Responsive to a triggering event, the channel system dynamically establishes a second media channel with a resource (the same or another resource) of the emergency services network. With the second media channel established, the message system may then exchange messages over the second media channel with the resource to facilitate the conforming emergency system in handling emergency events.
• The invention may include other networks, systems, and methods described below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network that provides emergency services in the prior art, such as 9-1-1 service in the United States.
• FIG. 2A illustrates a communication network in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating the communication network inFIG. 2A in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2C is a flow chart illustrating another method for operating the communication network inFIG. 2A in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2D is a flow chart illustrating another method for operating the communication network inFIG. 2A in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3A illustrates the communication network inFIG. 2A further including a channel setup system in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating the communication network inFIG. 3A in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3C is a flow chart illustrating another method for operating the communication network inFIG. 3A in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a channel setup system in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 illustrates another communication network in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONDESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
• FIG. 1 illustrates a priorart communication network100 that provides emergency services.Communication network100 includes atelephone102, a selective router (SR)104, a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)106, and anemergency services network108.Emergency services network108 includes two ALI databases121-122, a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC)124 (or a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC)), asupplemental information provider128, and other backend resources (not shown). Although asingle MPC124 and a singlesupplemental information provider128 are illustrated inFIG. 1,emergency services network108 generally includes multiple MPCs and supplemental information providers. As shown inFIG. 1,telephone102 is connected toselective router104.Selective router104 is connected toPSAP106 and ALI databases121-122.PSAP106 is connected to ALI databases121-122.ALI database121 is connected toALI database122,MPC124, andsupplemental information provider128.ALI database122 is connected toALI database121,MPC124, andsupplemental information provider128.
• Paired ALI databases121-122 are used in emergency services networks, such asemergency service network108, to add redundancy and reliability into the network. Each PSAP106 (only one is shown) connects to two ALI databases121-122. For the PSAP-ALI interface,PSAP106 is connected toALI database121 by a dedicated point-to-point connection131, and is connected toALI database122 by a dedicated point-to-point connection132. The PSAP-ALI interface traditionally includes fixed point-to-point data circuits utilizing asynchronous data modems for the dedicated connections131-132. In newer versions of the PSAP-ALI interface, dedicated connections131-132 may include an upgraded transport protocol, such as Internet Protocol (IP) or X.25. Regardless of the transport protocol, the logical connections betweenPSAP106 and ALI databases121-122 remain point-to-point dedicated connections131-132.
• To illustrate howcommunication network100 operates, assume that a caller dials 9-1-1 or a similar emergency number ontelephone102.Selective router104 receives the emergency call, such as through a central office (not shown), a tandem switch (not shown), etc.Selective router104 also receives an Emergency Service Number (ESN) associated with the location of the calling party from one or more ALI databases121-122 or from another database (not shown). InFIG. 1, based on the ESN,selective router104 selectsPSAP106 to handle the call and routes the emergency call toPSAP106. Networks may route the emergency call toPSAP106 in different ways depending on the desired implementation. Some examples of different implementations are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,018, U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,307, U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,302, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,587,545, which are all incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if fully set forth herein.
• Emergency services network108, which provides E9-1-1 services, includes Automatic Location Identification (ALI) services. WhenPSAP106 receives the emergency call,PSAP106 also receives an ANI for the call. The ANI, which is the telephone number of the callingparty telephone102, allows an operator inPSAP106 to call the calling party back if the call happens to be terminated. The ANI also allows thePSAP106 to fetch information on the physical location of the calling party in order to dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel (e.g., police, ambulance, fire department). To fetch the location information,PSAP106 generates a request for the location information that includes the ANI oftelephone102, and forwards the request toALI database121 overdedicated connection131.PSAP106 may forward the request toALI database122 overdedicated connection132 in addition to forwarding the request toALI database121 or instead of forwarding the request toALI database121.
• ALI database121 receives the request for location information that includes the ANI.ALI database121 searches for location information corresponding with the ANI. IfALI database121 finds location information corresponding with the ANI, thenALI database121 responds toPSAP106 with the location information. IfALI database121 does not find location information corresponding with the ANI, thenALI database121 may have to query other ALI databases or other databases or systems for the location information.
• ALI database121 acts as an intermediary betweenPSAP106 and the other emergency services inemergency services network108.PSAP106 does not directly connect with emergency services other than ALI databases121-122.PSAP106 communicates withMPC124 andsupplemental information provider128 through one or both of ALI databases121-122. For instance, iftelephone102 is a mobile phone, thenALI database121queries MPC124 or another MPC (not shown) for location information corresponding with the ANI and forwards the location information toPSAP106.ALI database121 may providesupplemental information provider128 with the ANI, and supplemental information provide128 may provide services such as notifying third parties of the emergency call. In each of these cases,ALI database121interfaces PSAP106 with the other emergency services.
• WhenPSAP106 receives a response fromALI database121,PSAP106 should be better informed to handle the emergency call. For instance,PSAP106 should have location information for the calling party.PSAP106 then informs the appropriate emergency personnel of the emergency call so that the emergency personnel can be quickly dispatched.
• One problem with current emergency services networks is that the PSAP-ALI interface uses dedicated point-to-point connections131-132 betweenPSAP106 and ALI databases121-122.PSAP106 is not able to dynamically connect with another ALI database (not shown) or another resource inemergency services network108.PSAP106 is dependant on the pair of ALI databases121-122 to provide information for an emergency call. If one of theALI databases121 were to be taken out of service for maintenance or upgrades, thenPSAP106 would be connected to asingle ALI database122 and become one-sided. If the remainingALI database122 was to go out of service, thenPSAP106 would not be able to adequately service emergency calls. Emergency services administrators try to avoid architectures that rely on a single device or system because of the higher possibility of a service outage.
• Another problem with current emergency services networks is the traditional PSAP-ALI interface uses a limited message set. Most conventional PSAPs fundamentally include the same design as when they were initially conceived in the 1970's. The conventional PSAPs are configured to receive a fixed-length, pre-defined text string. The fixed-length text string limits the number of fields and the size of the fields that can be included in the text string. The small size of the text stream severely constrains the amount of information that the ALI database can provide to the PSAP, the context that can be created, and the data types that can be supported. Emergency services administrators have had to “overload” the text string, using the same fixed-length field for multiple purposes in different contexts, to provide the current services. New services or new capabilities are very difficult to add if the text string is overloaded by the current services. For instance, an ALI database would not be able to provide or would only be able to provide very limited individual medical information to the PSAP. Also, the technology does not lend itself to streaming video to the PSAP as the traditional message set does not have the capacity.
• Another problem with current emergency services networks is that the PSAP-ALI interface model is a request-response model. The PSAP forwards a request for ALI information to the ALI database, and the ALI database provides a response to the PSAP. Under the current model, the PSAP has to initiate communication with the ALI database with a request for ALI information. The ALI database is not allowed or equipped to initiate a communication with the PSAP, or deliver ALI information to the PSAP unless the PSAP submits a request. The current PSAP-ALI interface model limits the types of enhanced services provided by the emergency services network.
• The following example illustrates some of the problems and limitations of the current emergency services networks. Assume thattelephone102 comprises a mobile telephone and that a user oftelephone102 dials 9-1-1.Selective router104 routes the 9-1-1 call toPSAP106.PSAP106 submits a request toALI database121 for information for the 9-1-1 call. The request includes an ANI. Responsive to receiving the request,ALI database121 determines that the ANI is a pseudo-ANI corresponding with a wireless service provider fortelephone102. The ANI is not the actual telephone number oftelephone102, but is a key corresponding with basic information identifying the wireless service provider and/or identifying the cell tower from which the 9-1-1 call originated.
• Because the pseudo-ANI is for a wireless service provider,ALI database121 does not have location information for the pseudo-ANI. Consequently,ALI database121 cannot immediately provide the location information toPSAP106 because it must attempt to retrieve location information fortelephone102.ALI database121 retrieves the location information by submitting a request to the wireless service provider'sMPC124. Because the PSAP-ALI interface allows only one response to a request,ALI database121 attempts to collect all call information before responding toPSAP106.ALI database121 also attempts to ensure thatPSAP106 receives a response within a reasonable amount of time. Before submitting the request toMPC124,ALI database121 sets a timer to indicate how long it will wait forMPC124 to respond. IfMPC124 responds within the time period, thenALI database121 responds toPSAP106 with the location information ontelephone102. The location information may be approximate X, Y coordinates (longitude and latitude) of telephone102 (assuming a wireless Phase II system).
• IfMPC124 does not respond within the time period, thenALI database121 responds toPSAP106 with basic call information. The basic call information does not specify the location oftelephone102. The basic call information may merely be information on the wireless service provider or information on the cell tower from which the 9-1-1 call originated. IfMPC124 responds toALI database121 with the location information afterALI database121 has already responded toPSAP106 with the basic information,ALI database121 cannot provide the location information ontelephone102 toPSAP106. As previously stated,ALI database121 cannot transmit information toPSAP106 unlessPSAP106 has previously transmitted a request toALI database121 that remains unanswered. To obtain the location information fromALI database121,PSAP106 will have to submit another request toALI database121 for the same information (sometimes referred to as a re-bid).
• IfALI database121 receives another request fromPSAP106, thenALI database121 will need to determine whether to send the previous location information received fromMPC124, request new location information fromMPC124, handle time-out scenarios, and handle situations where this request may be for a new 9-1-1 call using the same pseudo-ANI. This scenario is further complicated because theALI database121 does not know when this call ends and another call with the same pseudo-ANI begins. Thus,ALI database121 uses an elaborate scheme of timers to determine if the information received fromMPC124 is stale, and determines whether it should return the information for subsequent requests fromPSAP106 or whether it should submit new requests toMPC124. WhileALI database121 is requesting information fromMPC124 andPSAP106 is waiting for a response,PSAP106 may be connected with a calling party possibly engaged in a life or death situation where any bit of information might help determine the best course of action.ALI database121 cannot tell that it takes more time to determine location information fortelephone102 because of technology overhead.PSAP106 may have to wait 10 to 15 seconds to be told nothing more than that the 9-1-1 call is a wireless call.
• The PSAP-ALI interface puts the PSAP operator in a guessing game. The PSAP operator does not know when the wireless call location information becomes available and does not know how often re-bids should be submitted to receive initial or new information. PSAP operators are taught not to push the re-bid button repeatedly in hopes of getting caller information, as this could have the opposite effect and swampALI database121 orMPC124 in a manner such thatPSAP106 cannot receive a response.
• As is illustrated above, the current emergency services networks use old technology, are not very flexible in updating or improving existing services, and are not readily expandable to add new and better services. The importance of emergency services networks demands that these networks evolve to provide the best and most reliable services.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIGS. 2A-2D,3A-3C and4-5 and the following description depict specific embodiments of the invention to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects of the invention have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.
• FIG. 2A illustrates acommunication network200 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Communication network200 includes conforming emergency systems (CES)201-202, atransport network210, and anemergency services network220.Emergency services network220 includes a plurality of resources221-223. CESs201-202 and resources221-223 are connected to network210.Communication network200 may include other devices, resources, or systems not shown inFIG. 2A for the sake of brevity.Emergency services network220 may include many more resources in addition to the ones shown inFIG. 2A.FIG. 2A is intended to illustratecommunication network200 in a more functional manner than a physical manner.
• A conforming emergency system comprises any system, device, or equipment configured to communicate according to the message set used by an emergency services network to access emergency services (not shown) to handle emergency events. One example of a conforming emergency system is a computer system for a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) conforming to the message set used by an emergency services network. A PSAP is known in the art of emergency services as a location where an emergency call (e.g., a 9-1-1 call) is answered. Another example of a conforming emergency system is a computer system for a hospital, a police department, a fire station, a fire alarm company, a security company, an ambulance service, a state 9-1-1 coordinator, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Geophysical Data Center, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), etc, that conforms to the message set used by an emergency services network and is used to access in emergency services to handle emergency events. An emergency event comprises any instance or situation where a request for emergency services may be made. Examples of an emergency event include any abbreviated number call (e.g., a 9-1-1 call in the U.S., a 3-1-1 call in the U.S., and a 1-1-2 call in Europe), any call or request from a computer, a PDA, a TDD device, or any other device for emergency services, an email message, an SMS message, an Internet message, a call or signal to an emergency call center (e.g., an independent alarm service, OnStar®, etc), or any other request for emergency services.
• A transport network in this embodiment comprises any connection(s), path(s), etc for supporting a media channel, such as a packet network, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a frame relay network, an X.25 network, an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network, wireless connections, satellite connections, wireline connections, etc. A resource comprises any system, device, equipment, or server configured to communicate with a conforming emergency system via a media channel over a transport network to facilitate the handling of emergency events. An example of a resource includes a response gateway. A media channel comprises any communication path or paths (logical, virtual, or otherwise) over a transport network configured to transport data such as streaming video, streaming audio, voice, graphics, text data, binary data, executable instructions or scripts, etc. A media channel is not a physical or logical point-to-point dedicated connection over a transport network. The media channel may transport control messages or may operate in conjunction with a separate control channel. A response gateway comprises any system or server configured to communicate with a conforming emergency system via a media channel over a packet network, and interface the conforming emergency system with emergency services of an emergency services network.
• An emergency services network includes any network or networks that provide emergency services or facilitates a conforming emergency system in handling emergency events. Emergency services comprise any services subscribed to or provided for an emergency call or other event requiring such services. One example of an emergency service is an ALI database that provides location information. Another example of an emergency service is a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC) or a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) that provides location information for mobile devices. Another example of an emergency service is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) server or a selective transfer point determination system that provides location information for a VoIP phone or device. Another example of an emergency service is an Emergency Auxiliary Service Provider (EASP) or an Emergency Information Service that are general terms for any service provider that provides information or performs a function. For instance, an EASP may contain medical information for a subscriber and information on a subscriber's premises, such as a code to a front gate, guard dogs, hazardous materials, etc. The EASP may also include a third-party notification service that notifies third parties of an emergency event. The term “emergency service” is intended to include any accompanying structure that performs the emergency services, such as processing systems, computing platforms, network interfaces, servers, etc. Emergency services may be included in or as part of a resource and/or a resource may interface a conforming emergency system with a remote emergency service. In other words, a resource may also include an ALI database, an MPC, a GMLC, an EASP, a VoIP server, or any other emergency service.
• FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating amethod240 for rotating media channels between a conforming emergency system (CES)201 and one or more resources221-223 ofemergency services network220 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Any reference to “first”, “second”, “third”, in this description or in the claims is to differentiate elements and messages, and is not intended to indicate sequence or timing. Instep242,CES201 and one of the resources221-223 (assume resource221) inemergency services network220 dynamically establish a first media channel between one another. In stating thatCES201 andresource221 dynamically establish a first media channel, either one or both ofCES201 andresource221 may initiate and/or facilitate the dynamic establishment of the first media channel. Another system may also assist in the dynamic establishment of the first media channel.CES201 andresource221 may use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), H.323, Signaling System No. 7 (SS7), LAPD, Q.921, Q.931, or another comparable protocol or method for dynamically establishing a media channel. With the first media channel established,CES201 andresource221 may then exchange messages over the first media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events, instep244.
• Responsive to a triggering event,CES201 and one of the resources221-223 (assume resource222) inemergency services network220 dynamically establish a second media channel between one another, instep246. AlthoughCES201 andresource222 dynamically establish the second media channel in this embodiment,CES201 could dynamically establish the second media channel withresource221 orresource223 in other embodiments. With the second media channel established,CES201 andresource222 may then exchange messages over the second media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events, instep248.
• The triggering event may vary depending on desired implementations. For instance, the triggering event may be a time period elapsing, or a request fromCES201, resources221-223, or another system (not shown). Media channels may also be established for an individual emergency event. In that case, the triggering event would beCES201 receiving a new emergency event to be handled. Other triggering events may be a load imbalance, a failure, taking a resource out of service, etc.
• The first media channel may be torn down at some point. The first media channel may be torn down before the second media channel is established, after the second media channel is established, or simultaneously with the establishment of the second media channel. The first media channel should not be torn down while current message sessions or message transfers still exist over the first media channel. Therefore, the current message sessions over the first media channel may be allowed to end before the first media channel is torn down. In other embodiments, the current message sessions over the first media channel may be rolled onto the second media channel before the first media channel is torn down.
• Method240 continues to establish new media channels and tear down old media channels as described above to rotate the media channels. For instance,method240 may continue so that, responsive to subsequent triggering events,CES201 and one of the resources221-223 establish a third media channel, a fourth media channel, etc.
• CES201 and resources221-223 may dynamically establish media channels in different ways depending on the desired implementation.FIGS. 2C and 2D and the following description illustrate two methods of dynamically establishing and rotating media channels.
• FIG. 2C is a flow chart illustrating amethod250 for rotating media channels between conforming emergency systems (CES)201-202 and resources221-223 ofemergency services network220 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Instep252, a conforming emergency system (assume CES201) transmits a first request message for a first media channel tonetwork210. One of the resources221-223 (assume resource221) inemergency services network220 receives the first request message, instep254.CES201,resource221, or another system may include selection logic (not shown) or an algorithm for selectingresource221. Also instep254,resource221 responds to the first request message to dynamically establish the first media channel betweenCES201 andresource221.CES201 andresource221 may then exchange messages over the first media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events, instep258.
• In responding to the first request message,resource221 may transmit a first response message to network210. The first response message indicates an acceptance of the first media channel, indicates the acceptance of parameters of the first media channel, or otherwise indicates thatresource221 is available and capable of handling the first media channel.Resource221 may also negotiate parameters of the first media channel before transmitting the first response message. Responsive to receiving the first response message,CES201 initiates a process to dynamically establish the first media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. One example of a process initiated byCES201 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface. In this embodiment,CES201 may transmit the first request message directly toresource221 or to another system. Similarly,resource221 may transmit the first response message directly toCES201 or to another system.
• Alternatively, in responding to the first request message,resource221 may initiate a process to dynamically establish the first media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. One example of a process initiated byresource221 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• In step260, responsive to a triggering event,CES201 transmits a second request message for a second media channel tonetwork210. One of the resources221-223 (assume resource222) inemergency services network220 receives the second request message, instep262. Althoughresource222 receives the second request message in this embodiment,resource221 orresource223 could receive the second request message in other embodiments. Also instep262,resource222 responds to the second request message to dynamically establish the second media channel betweenCES201 andresource222.CES201 andresource222 may then exchange messages over the second media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events, instep266.
• In responding to the second request message,resource222 may transmit a second response message to network210. The second response message indicates an acceptance of the second media channel, indicates the acceptance of parameters of the second media channel, or otherwise indicates thatresource222 is available and capable of handling the second media channel.Resource222 may also negotiate parameters of the second media channel before transmitting the second response message. Responsive to receiving the second response message,CES201 initiates a process to dynamically establish the second media channel betweenCES201 andresource222.
• Alternatively, in responding to the second request message,resource222 may initiate a process to dynamically establish the second media channel betweenCES201 andresource222. One example of a process initiated byresource222 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• Method250 continues to establish new media channels and tear down old media channels as described above to rotate the media channels.
• FIG. 2D is a flow chart illustrating anothermethod270 for rotating media channels between conforming emergency systems201-202 and resources221-223 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Instep272, one of the resources221-223 (assume resource221) transmits a first request message for a first media channel tonetwork210. A conforming emergency system (assume CES201) receives the first request message, instep274. Also instep274,CES201 responds to the first request message to dynamically establish the first media channel betweenCES201 andresource221.CES201 andresource221 may then exchange messages over the first media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events, instep278.
• In responding to the first request message,CES201 may transmit a first response message to network210. The first response message indicates an acceptance of the first media channel, indicates the acceptance of parameters of the first media channel, or otherwise indicates that theCES201 is available and capable of handling the first media channel.CES201 may also negotiate parameters of the first media channel before transmitting the first response message. Responsive to receiving the first response message,resource221 initiates a process to dynamically establish the first media channel betweenresource221 andCES201. In this embodiment,resource221 may transmit the first request message directly toCES201 or to another system. Similarly,CES201 may transmit the first response message directly toresource221 or to another system.
• Alternatively, in responding to the first request message,CES201 may initiate a process to dynamically establish the first media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. One example of a process initiated byCES201 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• Instep280, responsive to a triggering event,resource221 transmits a second request message for a second media channel tonetwork210.CES201 receives the second request message, instep282. Also instep282,CES201 responds to the second request message to dynamically establish the second media channel betweenCES201 andresource221.CES201 andresource221 may then exchange messages over the second media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events, instep286.
• In responding to the second request message,CES201 may transmit a second response message to network210. The second response message indicates an acceptance of the second media channel, indicates the acceptance of parameters of the second media channel, or otherwise indicates thatCES201 is available and capable of handling the second media channel.CES201 may also negotiate parameters of the second media channel before transmitting the second response message. Responsive to receiving the second response message,resource221 initiates a process to dynamically establish the second media channel betweenresource221 andCES201.
• Alternatively, in responding to the second request message,CES201 may initiate a process to dynamically establish the second media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. One example of a process initiated byCES201 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• The first media channel may be torn down at some point instep288. The first media channel may be torn down before the second media channel is established, after the second media channel is established, or simultaneously with the establishment of the second media channel. The first media channel should not be torn down while current message sessions or message transfers still exist on the first media channel. Therefore, the current message sessions over the first media channel may be allowed to end before the first media channel is torn down. In other embodiments, the current message sessions over the first media channel may be rolled onto the second media channel before the first media channel is torn down.
• FIG. 2A also illustrates the configuration ofCES201 andresource221 incommunication network200 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.CES201 includes achannel system203 and amessage system204. Similarly,resource221 includes achannel system232 and amessage system234.CES202 may have a similar configuration toCES201. Resources222-223 may have a similar configuration toresource221.Channel system203 andmessage system204 are not necessarily two separate components, processors, devices, etc., but represent two functionalities that may be performed on a single system or multiple systems. For instance,channel system203 andmessage system204 may each represent a piece of software code being executed on a common processing system. The same rational applies forchannel system232 andmessage system234.CES201 andresource221 may include other devices, components, or systems not shown inFIG. 2A for the sake of brevity.
• Channels systems203 and232 are configured to setup up a media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. Referring tomethod240,channel system203 ofCES201 andchannel system232 ofresource221 dynamically establish the first media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. An example ofchannel systems203 and232 is a SIP user agent.Message systems204 and234 are configured to exchange messages over an established media channel. Thus, when the first media channel is established betweenCES201 andresource221,message system204 andmessage system234 exchange messages and/or information over the first media channel. Responsive to a triggering event,channel system203 andchannel system232 dynamically establish the second media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. When the second media channel is established betweenCES201 andresource221,message system204 andmessage system234 exchange messages and/or information over the second media channel.
• Channel systems203 and232 andmessage systems204 and234 may be comprised of instructions that are stored on storage media (not shown). The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processor (not shown). Some examples of instructions are software, program code, and firmware. Some examples of storage media are memory devices, tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to operate in accord with the invention. The term “processor” refers to a single processing device or a group of inter-operational processing devices. Some examples of processors are computers, integrated circuits, and logic circuitry. Those skilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processors, and storage media.
• FIG. 3A illustratescommunication network200 further including achannel setup system212 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Channel setup system212 is connected to network210.Channel setup system212 comprises any system or server configured to assist in the setup of a media channel overnetwork210. Examples ofchannel setup system212 include a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) server and a SIP proxy.
• FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating amethod350 for usingchannel setup system212 to rotate media channels between conforming emergency systems201-202 and resources221-223 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Instep352, a conforming emergency system (CES201) transmits a request message for a media channel tonetwork210.Channel setup system212 receives the request message for the media channel and selects one of the resources221-223 (assume resource221) inemergency services network220 with which to establish the media channel, instep354.Channel setup system212 may include selection logic (not shown) or an algorithm for selecting one of the resources221-223.Channel setup system212 then transmits the request message for the media channel to the selectedresource221 instep356.
• The selectedresource221 inemergency services network220 receives the request message. Responsive to receiving the request message, the selectedresource221 responds to the request message to dynamically establish the media channel between theCES201 and the selectedresource221, instep358.
• In responding to the request message, the selectedresource221 may transmit a response message to network210. The response message indicates an acceptance of the media channel, indicates the acceptance of parameters of the media channel, or otherwise indicates that the selectedresource221 is available and capable of handling the media channel. The selectedresource221 may also negotiate parameters of the media channel before transmitting the response message. In transmitting the response message to network210, the selectedresource221 may transmit the response message directly toCES201. Alternatively, the selectedresource221 may transmit the response message to channelsetup system212, andchannel setup system212 transmits the response message toCES201. Responsive to receiving the response message,CES201 initiates a process to dynamically establish the media channel. One example of a process initiated byCES201 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• Alternatively, in responding to the request message, the selectedresource221 may initiate a process to dynamically establish the media channel betweenCES201 and the selectedresource221. One example of a process initiated by the selectedresource221 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• Instep362,CES201 and the selectedresource221 may then exchange messages over the media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events. Instep364,CES201,channel setup system212, and/or the selectedresource221 determine if message sessions over a preceding media channel have ended. Before the establishment of the media channel instep358,CES201 and a resource221-223 inemergency services network220 were exchanging messages over another, preceding media channel.CES201 and the resource221-223 may have on-going message sessions over that media channel when the new media channel is established instep358.CES201,channel setup system212, and/or the selectedresource221 cease to establish new message sessions over that media channel and determine if message sessions over that media channel have ended. If the message sessions have ended, thenCES201,channel setup system212, and/or the selectedresource221 tear down the preceding media channel instep366. If the message sessions have not ended, thenCES201,channel setup system212, and/or the selectedresource221 may wait for the message sessions to end or roll the message sessions onto the new media channel.
• CES201,channel setup system212, and/or the selectedresource221 also determine if a triggering event has occurred. If the triggering event occurs, thenmethod350 returns to step352.Method350 continues so that media channels are rotated. The order in which a media channel is established with a resource221-223 depends on the selection made bychannel setup system212.CES201 may establish a media channel with the same resource consecutively according tomethod350, as multiple media channels may be established with the same resource.
• CES201,channel setup system212, andresource221 may use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), H.323, Signaling System No. 7 (SS7), LAPD, Q.921, Q.931, or another comparable protocol or method for dynamically establishing a media channel.Channel setup system212 may comprise a SIP proxy or a SIP server.
• FIG. 3C is a flow chart illustrating anothermethod370 for usingchannel setup system212 to rotate media channels between conforming emergency systems201-202 and resources221-223 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Instep372, one of the resources221-223 (assume resource221) transmits a request message for a media channel tonetwork210.Channel setup system212 receives the request message for the media channel and transmits the request message for the media channel toCES201 instep374.
• CES201 receives the request message. Responsive to receiving the request message,CES201 responds to the request message to dynamically establish the media channel betweenCES201 andresource221 instep376.
• In responding to the request message,CES201 may transmit a response message to network210. The response message indicates an acceptance of the media channel, indicates the acceptance of parameters of the media channel, or otherwise indicates thatCES201 is available and capable of handling the media channel.CES201 may also negotiate parameters of the media channel before transmitting the response message. In transmitting the response message to network210,CES201 may transmit the response message directly toresource221. Alternatively,CES201 may transmit the response message to channelsetup system212, andchannel setup system212 transmits the response message toresource221. Responsive to receiving the response message,resource221 initiates a process to dynamically establish the media channel. One example of a process initiated byresource221 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• Alternatively, in responding to the request message,CES201 may initiate a process to dynamically establish the media channel betweenCES201 andresource221. One example of a process initiated byCES201 is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• Instep380,CES201 andresource221 may then exchange messages over the media channel to facilitateCES201 in handling emergency events. Instep382,CES201,channel setup system212, and/orresource221 determine if message sessions over a preceding media channel have ended. Before the establishment of the media channel instep376,CES201 and a resource221-223 inemergency services network220 were exchanging messages over another, preceding media channel.CES201 and the resource221-223 may have on-going message sessions over that media channel when the new media channel is established instep376.CES201,channel setup system212, and/orresource221 cease to establish new message sessions over that media channel and determine if message sessions over that media channel have ended. If the message sessions have ended, thenCES201,channel setup system212, and/orresource221 tear down the preceding media channel instep384. If the message sessions have not ended, thenCES201,channel setup system212, and/or the selectedresource221 may wait for the message sessions to end or roll the message sessions onto the new media channel.
• CES201,channel setup system212, and/orresource221 also determine if a triggering event has occurred. If the triggering event occurs, thenmethod370 returns to step372.Method370 continues so that media channels are rotated.CES201 may establish a media channel with the same resource consecutively according tomethod370, as multiple media channels may be established with the same resource.
• FIG. 4 illustrateschannel setup system212 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Channel setup system212 includes aprocessor402,selection logic403, and adata structure404.Data structure404 includes information on resources221-223 ofemergency services network220, information on routing messages to systems connected to network210, and other information and data. For instance,data structure404 may include information on the capacity or current load of each resource221-223, information on the operational status of each resource (e.g., in service/out of service), information on the number of media channels per resource221-223, information on security, information on the location of each resource221-223, information on the data connectivity speed of each resource221-223, information on the type of protocol used by each resource221-223, information on the type of resource221-223, etc.Data structure404 may include much more information than that which is described. Each resource221-223 may updatechannel setup system212 as to information on that resource.
• When in operation,channel setup system212 receives a request message for a media channel. Responsive to the request message,processor402 executesselection logic403 to selects one of the resources221-223 inemergency services network220 with which to establish the media channel.Selection logic403 may identify the availability of each of the resources221-223 in making the selection. For instance, in making the selection,selection logic403 accessesdata structure404 for information on the individual resources. Ifresource222 is at 90% of its capacity andresource221 is a 10% of its capacity, thenselection logic403 may selectresource221. Ifresource223 has failed or has been taken out of service for maintenance, thenselection logic403 will not selectresource223. If resources222-223 are each currently serving one media channel andresource221 is not serving any media channels, thenselection logic403 may selectresource221 to balance out the media channels between the resources221-223. Whenselection logic403 selects one of the resources221-223,channel setup system212 transmits the request message for the media channel to the selected resource.
• FIG. 5 illustrates anothercommunication network500 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Communication network500 includes a plurality of PSAPs501-502, an Internet Protocol (IP)network510, a Domain Name Server (DNS)512, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)system516, and anemergency services network520.Emergency services network520 includes a plurality of response gateways521-523,ALI databases525, Mobile Positioning Centers (MPC)526, and Emergency Auxiliary Service Providers (EASP)527. PSAPs501-502,DNS512,SIP system516, response gateways521-523,ALI databases525,MPCs526, andEASPs527 are connected to network510.Communication network500 may include other devices, resources, or systems not shown inFIG. 5 for the sake of brevity.
• Domain name server512 is known in the art as a system that resolves host names into IP addresses.SIP system516 comprises any system that uses SIP to assist in dynamically establishing a media channel. Examples ofSIP system516 include a SIP proxy and a SIP server. ALI database525 (may also be referred to as an ALI system or ALI server) is known in the art of emergency services as a system that provides information on the location of a calling party station (e.g., phone).MPC526 is known in the art of emergency services as a system that provides information on the location of a mobile calling device (e.g., cell phone).EASP527 comprises any emergency service configured to provide additional information for an emergency event, such as medical information, information on a subscriber's premises (e.g., guard dogs, hazardous materials, codes for a gate, etc), notify third parties of an emergency event, or provide any other services for an emergency services network.
• When in operation,PSAP501 initiates setup of a media channel with a response gateway521-523.PSAP501 uses SIP to initiate the setup of the media channel.PSAP501 generates an Invite message and transmits the Invite message over a TCP/IP connection toIP network510. The TCP/IP connection may be a secure connection. The Invite message may include a host address, such as “RG@EmergProvider.com”.IP network510 transmits the host address toDNS512.DNS512 resolves the host address in the Invite message to an IP address forSIP system516, andIP network510 transmits the Invite message toSIP system516.
• Responsive to receiving the Invite message,SIP system516 determines which of the response gateways521-523 to select.SIP system516 may include selection logic (not shown) that is able to intelligently select a response gateway521-523 based on information on the response gateways. Response gateways521-523 may periodically updateSIP system516 with information on capacity, operational status, etc.SIP system516 may also query other systems (not shown) having selection logic.
• SIP system516 selects one of the response gateways521-523 (assumeresponse gateway521 is selected).SIP system516 identifies an IP address of the selectedresponse gateway521 and transmits the Invite message overIP network510 to the IP address of the selectedresponse gateway521.
• Response gateway521 receives the Invite message fromSIP system516 along with an IP address ofPSAP501.Response gateway521 may authenticatePSAP501 via a login and password, via a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) exchange of digital signatures, via public key cryptography, etc.Response gateway521 may also access the PSAP's authorization to determine specific services available and subscribed to byPSAP501.Response gateway521 negotiates withPSAP501 orSIP system516 regarding parameters associated with the media channel to be established.Response gateway521 may use another protocol to facilitate the negotiation of the appropriate protocol or parameters related to the media channel, such as Session Description Protocol (SDP). SDP may be carried within SIP messages to facilitate the establishment of a media channel, the version of the protocol, or parameters associated with the media channel. SDP is one way that two end-points request a media channel and agree upon the nature of the media channel. Ifresponse gateway521 andPSAP501 agree on the parameters for the media channel, thenresponse gateway521 transmits an OK message toPSAP501.PSAP501 receives the OK message and initiates a process to dynamically establish the media channel. An example of initiating a process is setting up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) TCP/IP interface.
• SIP system516 may broker any messages or negotiations betweenresponse gateway521 andPSAP501 instead ofresponse gateway521 andPSAP501 communicating directly.
• If the selectedresponse gateway521 is not able to accept the media channel, thenSIP system516 or another device transmits the Invite message to another response gateway522-523. The Invite message is transmitted to response gateways522-523 until a response gateway is found that can accept the media channel.
• With the media channel established,PSAP501 andresponse gateway521 may exchange messages over the media channel to helpPSAP501 handle emergency calls. In many cases,PSAP501 will multiplex multiple messages over the media channel.PSAP501 andresponse gateway521 may use any compatible transport protocol, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, XML, and RTP.PSAP501 andresponse gateway521 may encrypt any transmitted messages for security purposes. There may be multiple media channels established betweenPSAP501 andresponse gateway521.
• The function ofresponse gateway521 is to interfacePSAP501 with emergency services inemergency services network520. Thus,PSAP501 transmits a message toresponse gateway521 that includes an ANI for an emergency call. In other embodiments, a key or identifier other than an ANI may be used, such as a SIP address, a URI, etc. Based on the ANI,response gateway521 determines which emergency services inemergency services network520 have information corresponding with the ANI of the emergency call and the services with which the ANI is associated, such as by subscription.Response gateway521 may query individual emergency services, such asALI database525,EASP527, etc, to see if they have information corresponding with the ANI. To “correspond with” in this embodiment means that an emergency service has information on an ANI or that a subscriber has subscribed to an emergency service using that ANI.Response gateway521 may know which emergency services to contact based on the ANI or other information provided byPSAP501. For instance,response gateway521 may know that an emergency call originated from a wireless device, soresponse gateway521 knows to queryMPC526.
• Response gateway521 may also query a global server (not shown) that indicates which emergency services, such asALI database525,EASP527, etc, correspond with the ANI. The emergency services would have to register the ANIs for which they correspond with the global server.
• Response gateway521 then obtains information on the emergency call from the identified emergency services. For example, assume thatALI database525 and EASP527 have information on the ANI for the emergency call received byPSAP501.Response gateway521 receives the information on the ANI fromALI database525.Response gateway521 may useSIP system516 to establish the media channel as previously described. The media channel withALI database525 may be pre-established or established in response to the query toALI database525.Response gateway521 also receives information on the ANI fromEASP527.Response gateway521 may useSIP system516 to establish the media channel as previously described. The media channel withEASP527 may be pre-established or established in response to the query toEASP527.
• Response gateway521 then transmits the information on the ANI toPSAP501 over the media channel betweenPSAP501 andresponse gateway521.PSAP501 receives the information on the emergency call, and uses the information to handle the emergency call. For instance,PSAP501 may use the information on the emergency call to better decide which emergency personnel to inform and/or dispatch.
• After a triggering event,PSAP501 needs to establish a new media channel. Assume for this embodiment that the media channels are set to periodically rotate. Thus, a time period is designated and the triggering event occurs when the time period elapses. In other embodiments, any desired triggering event may be used. There may be multiple triggering events used.
• When the time period elapses,PSAP501 generates an Invite message for the new media channel and transmits the Invite message toIP network510. Responsive to receiving the Invite message,SIP system516 determines which of the response gateways521-523 to select.SIP system516 selects one of the response gateways521-523 (assume response gateway522).SIP system516 identifies an IP address of the selectedresponse gateway522 and transmits the Invite message overIP network510 to the IP address ofresponse gateway522.
• Response gateway522 receives the Invite message fromSIP system516 along with an IP address ofPSAP501.Response gateway522 negotiates withPSAP501 regarding parameters associated with the new media channel. Ifresponse gateway522 andPSAP501 agree on the parameters for the new media channel, thenresponse gateway522 transmits an OK message toIP network510.Response gateway522 may transmit the OK message toSIP system516 or toPSAP501 directly.PSAP501 receives the OK message and initiates a process to dynamically establish the new media channel. With the new media channel established,PSAP501 andresponse gateway521 may exchange messages over the new media channel.PSAP501 stops initiating new message sessions over the old media channel and waits until current message sessions over the old media channel have ended. When all message sessions have ended on the old media channel,PSAP501 or another system tears down the old media session.
• In conclusion, the embodiments of the invention described herein illustrate that rotating media channels between a PSAP and resources of an emergency services network provides many advantages over the prior art.

Claims (97)

1. A communication network for rotating media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems, the communication network comprising:

a conforming emergency system (CES) connected to a transport network; and

a plurality of resources of an emergency services network connected to the transport network,

wherein the CES and one of the resources dynamically establish a first media channel between one another over the transport network, and exchange messages over the first media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events;

responsive to a triggering event, the CES and one of the resources dynamically establish a second media channel between one another over the transport network, and exchange messages over the second media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events.

2. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the one resource for the first media channel and the one resource for the second media channel comprise the same resource.

3. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the one resource for the first media channel and the one resource for the second media channel comprise a different resource.

4. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

at least one of the CES and the one resource for the first media channel tears down the first media channel after the second media channel is established.

5. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

at least one of the CES and the one resource for the first media channel tears down the first media channel simultaneously as the second media channel is established.

6. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

at least one of the CES and the one resource for the first media channel tears down the first media channel before the second media channel is established.

7. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

at least one of the CES and the one resource for the first media channel tears down the first media channel after message sessions on the first media channel have ended.

8. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

at least one of the CES and the one resource for the first media channel rolls message sessions on the first media channel to the second media channel before tearing down the first media channel.

9. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the triggering event comprises a time period elapsing.

10. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the triggering event comprises a request from the CES, the one resource for the first media channel, the one resource for the second media channel, or another system.

11. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the triggering event comprises the CES receiving a new emergency event.

12. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

the CES transmits a first request message for the first media channel to the transport network;

the one resource for the first media channel receives the first request message, and responds to the first request message to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel;

responsive to the triggering event, the CES transmits a second request message for the second media channel to the transport network; and

the one resource for the second media channel receives the second request message, and responds to the second request message to dynamically establish the second media channel between the CES and the one resource for the second media channel.

13. The communication network ofclaim 12 wherein:

the one resource for the first media channel responds to the first request message by transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the transport network; and

the CES receives the response message over the transport network and initiates a process to dynamically establish the first media channel.

14. The communication network ofclaim 12 wherein:

the one resource for the first media channel responds to the first request message by initiating a process to dynamically establish the first media channel.

15. The communication network ofclaim 12 further comprising:

a channel setup system connected to the transport network, the channel setup system receives the first request message from the CES, selects the one resource for the first media channel, and transmits the first request message to the one resource for the first media channel.

16. The communication network ofclaim 15 wherein:

the channel setup system selects the one resource for the first media channel by identifying the availability of each of the resources in the emergency services network.

17. The communication network ofclaim 15 wherein:

the channel setup system includes a data structure that stores information on the plurality of resources, the channel setup system accesses the information in the data structure to select the one resource for the first media channel.

18. The communication network ofclaim 17 wherein the information in the data structure includes at least one of a capacity or current load of each of the plurality of resources, an operational status of each of the plurality of resources, a number of media channels established with each of the plurality of resources, security, a location of each resource, data connectivity speed of each resource, the type of protocol used by each resource, and the type of each resource.

19. The communication network ofclaim 15 wherein the channel setup system comprises a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy or a SIP server.

20. The communication network ofclaim 15 wherein:

the one resource for the first media channel responds to the first request message by transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the channel setup system; and

the channel setup system transmits the response message to the CES.

21. The communication network ofclaim 15 wherein:

the one resource for the first media channel responds to the first request message by transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the CES.

22. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein:

the one resource for the first media channel transmits a first request message for the first media channel to the transport network;

the CES receives the first request message, and responds to the first request message to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel;

responsive to the triggering event, the one resource for the second media channel transmits a second request message for the second media channel to the transport network; and

the CES receives the second request message, and responds to the second request message to dynamically establish the second media channel between the CES and the one resource for the second media channel.

23. The communication network ofclaim 22 wherein:

the CES responds to the first request message by transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the transport network; and

the one resource for the first media channel receives the response message over the transport network and initiates a process to dynamically establish the first media channel.

24. The communication network ofclaim 22 wherein:

the CES responds to the first request message by initiating a process to dynamically establish the first media channel.

25. The communication network ofclaim 22 further comprising:

a channel setup system connected to the transport network, the channel setup system receives the first request message from the one resource for the first media channel, and transmits the first request message to the CES.

26. The communication network ofclaim 25 wherein the channel setup system comprises a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy or a SIP server.

27. The communication network ofclaim 25 wherein:

the CES responds to the first request message by transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the channel setup system; and

the channel setup system transmits the response message to the one resource for the first media channel.

28. The communication network ofclaim 25 wherein:

the CES responds to the first request message by transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the one resource for the first media channel.

29. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the CES and the one resource for the first media channel use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to dynamically establish the first media channel.

30. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of resources includes a response gateway.

31. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of resources includes at least one of an ALI database, a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC), a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), an Emergency Auxiliary Service Provider (EASP), and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) server.

32. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the emergency events include 9-1-1 calls.

33. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the CES exchanges at least one of streaming video, streaming audio, graphics data, voice, text or binary data, and executable instructions or scripts over the first media channel.

34. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the CES comprises a computer system for a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

35. The communication network ofclaim 1 wherein the CES comprises a computer system for one of a hospital, a police department, a fire station, a fire alarm company, a security company, an ambulance service, a state 9-1-1 coordinator, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Geophysical Data Center, or the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

36. A method of operating a communication network for rotating media channels between a plurality of resources of an emergency services network and a conforming emergency system (CES), the method comprising the steps of:

dynamically establishing a first media channel between the CES and one of the resources, and exchanging messages between the CES and the one resource over the first media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events; and

responsive to a triggering event, dynamically establishing a second media channel between the CES and one of the resources, and exchanging messages between the CES and the one resource over the second media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events.

37. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the one resource for the first media channel and the one resource for the second media channel comprise the same resource.

38. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the one resource for the first media channel and the one resource for the second media channel comprise a different resource.

39. The method ofclaim 36 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel after the second media channel is established.

40. The method ofclaim 36 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel simultaneously as the second media channel is established.

41. The method ofclaim 36 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel before the second media channel is established.

42. The method ofclaim 36 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel after message sessions on the first media channel have ended.

43. The method ofclaim 36 further comprising the step of:

rolling message sessions on the first media channel to the second media channel before tearing down the first media channel.

44. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the triggering event comprises a time period elapsing.

45. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the triggering event comprises a request from the CES, the one resource for the first media channel, the one resource for the second media channel, or another system.

46. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the triggering event comprises the CES receiving a new emergency event.

47. The method ofclaim 36 wherein:

the step of dynamically establishing the first media channel comprises transmitting a first request message for the first media channel from the CES to the transport network, receiving the first request message in the one resource for the first media channel, and responding to the first request message to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel; and

the step of dynamically establishing the second media channel comprises transmitting a second request message for the second media channel from the CES to the transport network, receiving the second request message in the one resource for the second media channel, and responding to the second request message to dynamically establish the second media channel between the CES and the one resource for the second media channel.

48. The method ofclaim 47 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel from the one resource for the first media channel to the transport network, the method further comprising the steps of:

receiving the response message in the CES over the transport network, and initiating a process to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel.

49. The method ofclaim 47 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises initiating a process in the one resource for the first media channel to dynamically establish the first media channel.

50. The method ofclaim 47 wherein the communication network further comprises a channel setup system connected to the transport network, the method further comprising the steps of:

receiving the first request message in the channel setup system from the CES, selecting the one resource for the first media channel, and transmitting the first request message to the one resource for the first media channel.

51. The method ofclaim 50 wherein the step of selecting the one resource for the first media channel in the channel setup system comprises:

selecting the one resource for the first media channel by identifying the availability of each of the plurality of resources in the emergency services network.

52. The method ofclaim 50 wherein the channel setup system includes a data structure that stores information on the plurality of resources, and the step of selecting the one resource for the first media channel in the channel setup system comprises:

accessing the information in the data structure to select the one resource for the first media channel.

53. The method ofclaim 52 wherein the information in the data structure includes at least one of a capacity or current load of each of the plurality of resources, an operational status of each of the plurality of resources, a number of media channels established with each of the plurality of resources, security, a location of each resource, data connectivity speed of each resource, the type of protocol used by each resource, and the type of each resource.

54. The method ofclaim 50 wherein the channel setup system comprises a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy or a SIP server.

55. The method ofclaim 50 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the channel setup system, the method further comprising the step of:

transmitting the response message from the channel setup system to the CES.

56. The method ofclaim 50 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the CES.

57. The method ofclaim 36 wherein:

the step of dynamically establishing the first media channel comprises transmitting a first request message for the first media channel from the one resource for the first media channel to the transport network, receiving the first request message in the CES, and responding to the first request message to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel; and

the step of dynamically establishing the second media channel comprises transmitting a second request message for the second media channel from the one resource for the second media channel to the transport network, receiving the second request message in the CES, and responding to the second request message to dynamically establish the second media channel between the CES and the one resource for the second media channel.

58. The method ofclaim 57 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel from the CES to the transport network, the method further comprising the steps of:

receiving the response message in the one resource for the first media channel over the transport network, and initiating a process to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel.

59. The method ofclaim 57 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises initiating a process in the CES to dynamically establish the first media channel.

60. The method ofclaim 57 wherein the communication network further comprises a channel setup system connected to the transport network, the method further comprising the steps of:

receiving the first request message in the channel setup system from the one resource for the first media channel, and transmitting the first request message to the CES.

61. The method ofclaim 60 wherein the channel setup system comprises a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy or a SIP server.

62. The method ofclaim 60 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the channel setup system, the method further comprising the step of:

transmitting the response message from the channel setup system to the one resource for the first media channel.

63. The method ofclaim 60 wherein the step of responding to the first request message comprises transmitting a response message indicating an acceptance of the first media channel to the one resource for the first media channel.

64. The method ofclaim 36 further comprising the step of:

using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to dynamically establish the first media channel.

65. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the plurality of resources includes a response gateway.

66. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the plurality of resources includes at least one of an ALI database, a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC), a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC), an Emergency Auxiliary Service Provider (EASP), and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) server.

67. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the emergency events include 9-1-1 calls.

68. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the CES exchanges one of streaming video, streaming audio, graphics data, voice, text or binary data, or executable instructions or scripts over the first media channel.

69. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the CES comprises a computer system for a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

70. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the CES comprises a computer system for one of a hospital, a police department, a fire station, a fire alarm company, a security company, an ambulance service, a state 9-1-1 coordinator, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Geophysical Data Center, or the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

71. A conforming emergency system (CES) that rotates media channels with resources of an emergency services network, the CES comprising:

a channel system that dynamically establishes a first media channel with one of the resources of the emergency services network; and

a message system, responsive to the first media channel being established, that exchanges messages over the first media channel with the one resource for the first media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events;

the channel system, responsive to a triggering event, dynamically establishes a second media channel with one of the resources of the emergency services network;

the message system, responsive to the second media channel being established, exchanges messages over the second media channel with the one resource for the second media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events.

72. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein the channel system dynamically establishes the first media channel by transmitting a first request message for a first media channel to a transport network, and initiating a process to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel responsive to receiving a first response message from the one resource for the first media channel over the transport network.

73. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein:

the channel system tears down the first media channel after the second media channel is established.

74. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein:

the channel system tears down the first media channel simultaneously as the second media channel is established.

75. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein:

the channel system tears down the first media channel before the second media channel is established.

76. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein:

the channel system tears down the first media channel after message sessions by the message system on the first media channel have ended.

77. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein:

the message system rolls message sessions on the first media channel to the second media channel before tearing down the first media channel.

78. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein the triggering event comprises a time period elapsing.

79. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein the triggering event comprises a request from the channel system, the one resource for the first media channel, the one resource for the second media channel, or another system.

80. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein the triggering event comprises the CES receiving a new emergency event.

81. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein:

the channel system negotiates parameters of the first media channel before the first media channel is established.

82. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein the channel system uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to dynamically establish the first media channel.

83. The CES ofclaim 82 wherein the channel system comprises a SIP user agent.

84. The CES ofclaim 71 wherein the CES comprises a computer system for one of a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), a hospital, a police department, a fire station, a fire alarm company, a security company, an ambulance service, a state 9-1-1 coordinator, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Geophysical Data Center, or the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

85. A method of operating a conforming emergency system (CES) for rotating media channels with resources of an emergency services network, the method comprising the steps of:

dynamically establishing a first media channel with one of the resources of the emergency services network;

exchanging messages over the first media channel with the one resource for the first media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events;

responsive to a triggering event, dynamically establishing a second media channel with one of the resources of the emergency services network; and

exchanging messages over the second media channel with the one resource for the second media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events.

86. The method ofclaim 85 wherein the step of dynamically establishing the first media channel comprises:

transmitting a first request message for a first media channel to a transport network;

receiving a first response message from the one resource for the first media channel over the transport network; and

initiating a process to dynamically establish the first media channel between the CES and the one resource for the first media channel.

87. The method ofclaim 85 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel after the second media channel is established.

88. The method ofclaim 85 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel simultaneously as the second media channel is established.

89. The method ofclaim 85 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel before the second media channel is established.

90. The method ofclaim 85 further comprising the step of:

tearing down the first media channel after message sessions on the first media channel have ended.

91. The method ofclaim 85 further comprising the step of:

rolling message transfers on the first media channel to the second media channel before tearing down the first media channel.

92. The method ofclaim 85 wherein the triggering event comprises a time period elapsing.

93. The method ofclaim 85 wherein the triggering event comprises a request from the CES, the one resource for the first media channel, the one resource for the second media channel, or another system.

94. The method ofclaim 85 wherein the triggering event comprises the CES receiving a new emergency event.

95. The method ofclaim 85 further comprising the step of:

negotiating parameters of the first media channel before the first media channel is established.

96. The method ofclaim 85 wherein the step of dynamically establishing the first media channel comprises:

dynamically establishing the first media channel using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

97. The method ofclaim 85 wherein the CES comprises a computer system for one of a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), a hospital, a police department, a fire station, a fire alarm company, a security company, an ambulance service, a state 9-1-1 coordinator, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Geophysical Data Center, or the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

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